I liked how easily the vignette style narrative of the last volume transitioned to a more flowing narrative, giving some more time to fleshing out our cast of kids and giving a deeper look into them. Identity and being comfortable with who you are were such big concepts in the last story and some of those journeys are expanded on here with a new autumn coating. 

Even though our characters face bullying, the fear of upsetting family dynamics, and a new threat that looms over the cardboard kingdom, there is always this positive air to the story that never comes across as overly saccharine. There is something so reassuring about all of these kids coming together for each other, depicting so much loyalty and trust as they imagine together. 

I will say, this one does move a little more slowly than the previous installment, but it's not too hard to muscle through the more dragging bits.